How To Stay Focused At Work

April 2017Words by Mr Shane C Kurup

Illustration by Mr Giordano Poloni

In today’s hyper switched-on world, keeping your eyes on the prize can be a serious challenge at the best of times. And it’s particularly difficult in the office. Between the cacophony of noise that wafts through your typical open-plan workspace and the constant barrage of electronic correspondence, avoiding distractions can feel like an SAS assault course for the mind. In his book Your Brain At Work, Dr David Rock sums up the cost of losing focus:

“One study found that office distractions eat up an average 2.1 hours a day. Another study, published in October 2005, found that employees spend an average of 11 minutes on a project before being distracted. After an interruption, it takes them 25 minutes to return to their original task, if they do at all”. Of course, if you’re reading this, it’s highly likely you’ve been sidetracked from whatever you’re supposed to be doing too. So, let’s quickly get on with some pointers, eh?